Days passed, and the dragon's words still ran through her mind. "Four days as the dragon flies." That is what she had said after waking up from her long nap.

"Are we talking a fast flight, slow glide, the occasional drop to the surface and walk a bit….." little misaka rambled as Mikoto hesitated. She had her thinking face on. And the dragon seemed amused by it.

"how …?"

"It's just normal," the dragon answered with a shrug of her massive shoulders. She gently nudged the little female dragon. She raised her head and looked in the direction. "Just follow the road you're on, and you should see the edge," she said.

"Why didn't you stay?" Mikoto asked.

"It wasn't my home," she said, revealing a sadness in her eyes. "Even though they are nothing but bones and memories…. I could never abandon them." Slight smoke rolled from her nose, her eyes glimmering as she spoke. Mikoto knew what she was saying. She hated leaving her own at the portal gate. The conversations she had with herself and their memories haunted her even now.

"it is so large and full I would never see hunger again. Never feel of this oppressive heat." She opened her wings and beat the air into a pleasant breeze. Dragons all around repeated the gesture, stirring up the wind. When an annoyance interrupted their conversation. And was quickly stopped. She slammed her tail into the ground. Sending the three males bouncing. They had tried to slip back into the nest. She had kicked them out after becoming too aggressive around the little female. She had gotten too close to them as they fed, and one of them snapped at her. But it was Mikoto who had gotten there first.

She screamed at them. Using a quick bolt of electricity sent them flying. Other bolts sent them scurrying up and out of the nest and over the edge. Quickly running to the safety of their mothers' shadow, they turned and hissed.

The dragon mother was sleeping at the time. And the noise woke her. She opened her eyes, focused on them, and casually swatted them across the ground. She roused with a groan. "So much for at least a week's worth…."

"wait a minute?!" Mikoto growled, "You were going to sleep for how long?!"

"oh shit!" little misaka shouted, "don't argue with a dragon!" and besides! You know what it's like to be a tired, overworked mom!"

"As much as I could get away with it," the dragon yawned, large teeth and massive tongue glistening. She chuckled. Rolling her neck, cracking like fireworks rolling down to her shoulders.

The dragon spoke of the garden as if talking of paradise. She stretched her front legs, digging her claws into the rock-hard soil. The scales around her neck flared, rimmed white hot, steaming the air. Her wings stretched until they blocked the sun, creating a nice, comfortable shade and a slight breeze as she moved them slowly. Letting them drift to the ground and form a rather large leathery canopy. She moved just above the nest to help protect them from the sun and looked down at Mikoto Misaka, Vita, and Miriam, who were looking up, standing beside the small whitish dragon. She looked better but was still a little lethargic.

"It was because of the chatterbox you had met a while ago, "the mother dragon spoke, "she is one not to keep a secret…or be quiet." She sighed, looking up into the distance. "she kept going on about how I needed to meet them. They could be helpful. I finally gave in…" she said, "I just couldn't shut her out. Never wanted to…" she said, "kept my mind off the past. Anyway. It took me and a few of mine a few days flying. And I saw it glistening like a jewel in the heat." Becoming quiet, "I was amazed by its sparkle, and within its sparkle, I saw the sharp edges of the jewel. I saw them running, not away but towards me…no fear at all. And not foolish, either. Hundreds came, and more fell back to protect the others. I was quite impressed even now, thinking about it. Of course, I had my arrogance…I am a dragon." the edge of her jaw curled. "We hit the ground hard, and a flash of blue flames rolled towards us. Stopping so close, I could feel the heat. They were no taller than yours, with white fur and ears, tails flickering wildly. Some had more than one tail. Four, "she nodded," those were commanding small units. Power rippling off them in waves. I could see the joy of battle raging in their eyes with a determined expression." She shook her head. "I had no idea how experienced they were in battle. And with whom they had fought."

"As we stood facing each other, not a moment passed when a large flame swirled around them, swallowing them and rolling over them. I thought they would burn to a crisp, but nothing happened. Following the surge, they came. He was first." She rolled her eyes, "Nothing special, just a male comfortable clothes and a large axe." She chuckled, "Not that something so small could hurt me…I thought back then. I did say I was arrogant. Its blade glistened like diamonds. The magical runes etched across its metal lingered with old magic I would soon recognize. And then she came behind him, but to my surprise and humor, she reached out, grabbed him by his shoulder, and pulled him back behind her. She said, stay! As if he was an impetuous child." A warmth spread across her scales. A slight pinkish red. "She was taller than him by a head, not including her ears. I could tell she was of the beasts. Those steel blue eyes, canines. She wore an older style of dress, which she told me was called a kimono." A flicker of recognition across Mikoto's face. "She usually preferred something more traditional, but the hanging sleeve suited her better because she was entering battle. And so did the others. She was, is beautiful. And fierce. And dangerous."

Mikoto's mind raced, listening to the dragon mother continue her story. But inside, a certain someone was running various theories. One of them is coming close. Little misaka had her hand on her chin, eyes thinned in thought, "Are we talking Japanese isekai?" she said, "Maybe they were transported from another world…maybe Japan?!"

"Or maybe they have a working portal, and we can get home?" Mikoto whispered. The words sent an emotional response, a queasiness of excitement and possible disappointment to her belly. She bit on her lower lip, her fangs easily slicing the skin. The taste of it quelled the worry. The dragon mother's words pulled her back from her thoughts.

"So we are facing each other, I and mine, she and hers. The crackling of the blue fire and our flames. When I was about to decide to turn around and leave. She huffed and shrugged her shoulders. "that is enough! You are no better than an old chatterbox, letting out a growl that even shook me up a little. I heard the distant laughter of a child in my thoughts, and I knew. I puffed out my fire, shaking my head. That chatterbox I said annoys me, too."

"chatterbox?" Mikoto furrowed her brow, "chatterbox she whispered. "bet for sure she is talking about Barbie, queen of blood." little misaka said. Mikoto shivered as a chill rolled down her back. The dragon mother tilted her head, "you too…"

Mikoto nodded. "Barbie."

The dragon mother cocked her head in confusion. "Barbie?" shaking her head, she continued. " by the way she looked and sounded, I felt she was a kindred spirit of sorts." she arched a brow, "So we talked and found out we were very much alike, and we could stay for a while and gather our strength. They showed us to a very beautiful and serene place. Where we stayed on the shore of the lake that stretched beyond the horizon. We would take flight to see how far. And never could find its end. Bellies full, wading in cool waters. It was wonderful, " she said, her eyes dim. "but even then, they would come.

"someone attacks?" Mikoto said, recognizing the emotions in the dragons' eyes. She nodded. But her eyes lit up, and if a dragon could smile, she did.

"Bahamut and his minions rolled across the land like a plague. "She said, the disdain in her tone was barely palatable.. "we were going to assist, but one of the four tails told us no…that we were guests and they would handle it." She laughed, "and they did." So hard the ground shook, and her wings flapped, stirring up gusts of wind. "Their flyer's bodies dropped from the sky covered in blue flames. Each one of them rushed into battle, challenging them. They even detected those underground dwelling abominations. They dropped to their feet and hands and sent blue flames into the ground, killing them. Over and over, they fought, defeating them with ease. I was envious. Even now, I am envious. The male with his axe cleaved them like it was nothing. Of course, the others ensured his protection. I am pretty sure their mother would have been quite irritated if he had fallen. She….she was, is a goddess of war. Blue flames, sharp claws, and fangs shredded many of his commanders. She pushed through them, charging him without fear. And I saw that fear take root in his eyes. She pummeled him like a corpse, tearing pieces of his flesh and swallowing." she reached out and yanked hard as if she was showing them each strike, pulling and ripping imaginary flesh."He escaped," the dragon mother sighed, "but I am told he suffered severe wounds that burned blue flames for days."

"who…?" Mikoto asked.

"The one you call Barbie, of course." The dragon mother said, "I will not let her live that name down….Barbie…" she whispered. She chuckled softly, only getting louder." Barbie!" Her smile filled with sharp teeth, her eyes turning red as if she was enjoying the taunt.

"She would allow us to stay but impose rules we had to follow. I would have no problems following simple rules, but I knew my companions, being dragons, after all, would disobey them. There's a difference between living under someone else's roof and being in our home, no matter the conditions."

"so you left?" Mikoto asked. The dragon mother nodded. "I told her if she needed help, I considered her an alley against Bahamut."

"Well, Bahamut is dead," Vita said, gently smacking the rear of the little white dragon. The little white dragon turned her head around and gave a little annoyed hiss. Miriam glared at Vita."So you don't have to worry…" she kissed her hand and patted an apology on the little white dragon's bum.

"Bahamut is dead, but those who followed him are still alive. "The dragon mother said, "Those little bugs you have taken care of are an example of one of them—a most foul one at that." The dragon mother huffed. "Has this new one…challenged…" Mikoto asked.

The dragon mother shut her eyes, "Once. They tried…, and all they accomplished was to wipe her army out without mercy. …she laughed, telling more.

"She had it underneath her paw, crushing the life out of it. It was only when it promised not to come back that she released her. and to prove her word in battle. She sent a daughter to give her a warning. "

Taking a deep breath, her eyes glimmering with laughter, "The chatterbox Barbie," she said, biting her tongue so as not to laugh, "told me when it arrived at the main temple in the city. Guess what was waiting? A group of priests were burning in a bonfire while the daughter, in her animal form, stood amid the flames devouring them. Impressive! she roared as her wings stretched towards the sky and leaped high. She pulled her wings back and lifted higher. "Think on that for a little while." Getting higher and smaller.

"where is she…." Miriam asked, rubbing the white dragon's head as it closed its eyes and purred.

"something to eat." Mikoto answered. "and thankfully, it's not us."

"I wouldn't say we're a meal." Little misaka said, "More like snacks."

Mikoto sighed a little in relief. She gladly admitted she didn't want to fight a horde of dragons. No matter how much little misaka was laughing and planning her assault. DRAGONSLAYER! She screamed, dressed in armor and holding out a large sword.

She moved to the edge of the nest and looked out across the desolate land. Mikoto's finger traces the jagged stone as she leans against the cliffside, eyeing the camp below. They are getting the wagons ready to leave. She could hear Aya's musical laughter drifting and Gallum's chuckle as they leaned in together. Aya is flirting, batting her long lashes, brushing her nose against Gallums. She blushes, trying not so hard to pull away from Aya's embrace. "a little one…" Aya purred, trailing a finger along Gallums arm. the female warrior slipped her hand on the slight curve of Aya's belly. "it is a good omen." She said.

Mikoto watched the encounter, her eyes getting wider. "Is she…" her breath caught in her throat as the words sounded in her ear. She turned and looked over to Vita. "I don't!" She was leaning over the edge of the nest as if she was trying to hear better or ready to leap. "You're a vampire!" Mikoto said. "Yeah…so?" she answered. "Did you know?"

Mikoto shook her head.

"I did." Miriam answered. "they have been quite busy during the night for the past few weeks."

Little misaka broke the uncomfortable silence. "you do realize that they usually lay eggs, and the eggs hatch and run off into the jungle and find…." Mikoto tightened her jaws, remembering everything. The little ones were mere single-celled humanoid-shaped beings. They needed to find their donor or father to complete the birthing process, or they would break down and dissolve.. "yes…I remember…" she said with an edge. "and do you remember the other way?" a harsh blush across her cheeks.

"eh?" surprise quickly taking over. "you don't mean..."

"She grew a wiener!" Vita quickly said, nodding. "That's what Gallum did."

She was becoming curious. New things excited Vita. She took a breath, and that grin came across her face. The type of grin that usually annoyed Mikoto.

"if you even.."

"What?" Vita had her curious cat look. "I am just going to ask if she has a wiener now…"

"And If you could see it?! Aren't you?"

"Well, if you insist.!" She quickly leaped over the edge and yelled, "Gallum! I need to ask you…something."

She watched as Vita rushed down the cliffside, excitement overflowing. Mikoto turned to Miriam, who shrugged. "you should, Mistress.." she motioned for her to chase after her.

"what… it's not like I…" becoming flushtered.

"You need to keep my sister in control," (technically, Miriam is not Vitas's sister. She had helped herself and many of the little ones. Often rolling around on the ground. Picking a few, etc., until she could technically have a few of them resemble her real sisters from when she was human.) " and I have the little dragon to take care of," she thinned her mouth, fretting her brow in indecision. she wasn't sure if what she'd seen is what it should have been. "and…I have already seen it…" she said, tilting her head and rosy cheeks. "I guess that's what it's supposed to look like." pursing her mouth.

She chased Vita down the cliffside. Mikoto yelled for her to stop, but Vita did what she always did. She quickly covered her ears and yelled her question. "technically, it is not disobeying if I can't hear you, Mistress."

"she's got you there." little misaka would always agree.

Gallum's answer was to show them.

The dragon mother watched as the wagon train faded in the distance. In the nest, the little white dragon fed on fresh meat. The three males doing their best to squirm past their protective mother, hoping to eat. The little white dragon tore at the flesh, chewing and swallowing slowly. It looked tired. With its large, dull blue eyes still weary. Pale pinkish skin covered in tiny feather sheaths is starting to bud. The little dragon lifted its head and swallowed hard. It smacked its mouth, choking and coughing until it was done.

The mother dragon looked down on the little one, concern filling her eyes, pushing back the negative emotions coming to the surface. She lowered her head and sniffed the little one. After an affectionate rub of her head, she raised high and looked off in the opposite direction as if something or someone would be arriving.

Seeing the concern filling her mother's eyes, The little white dragon struggled to clear her throat. "I like her momma." She tore off a fresh chunk.

"I know you do, baby," she said, thinning her eyes to the horizon. "I do, too."